Female sterilization (tubal ligation) versus male sterilization (vasectomy)…what are the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure?

If you are reviewing the information on this website you probably want have made the decision that you are done having children or don’t desire to have any kids. If so, you probably are thinking about a permanent birth control or sterilization. Sterilization procedures can be done for both men and women, yet for many couples sterilization is considered a “woman’s” responsibility. When a couple has decided that their family is complete, do not wish to have an unplanned pregnancy, or don’t want to have a child, an informed decision on the facts about a woman undergoing a surgical procedure (tubal ligation) should be evaluated against a man undergoing a minimally invasive vasectomy procedure.

To make this significant life decision, the safety, effectiveness and cost of each method should be considered.

How does a tubal ligation compare to a VASECTOMY?

Tubal ligation facts to consider include:

• Tubal Ligation is a surgical procedure
• Requires general anesthesia
• 30 minutes to 1-hour operative procedure requiring stitches
• Some pain and discomfort
• Infection risk for a hospital operating room (OR) procedure is typically in the 3% range
• Significant recovery period and downtime
• Sexual activity can be resumed after incision heals
• Four times more expensive

Vasectomy facts to consider include:

• In-office procedure
• No anesthesia required (a jet spray is used to numb the area)
• Done in 10 to 15 minutes
• No cutting or stitches
• Infection rate for an in-office No Needle No Scalpel vasectomy, the rate is less than .5%
• No pain or minimal discomfort
• Normal activities can be resumed quickly
• Sexual activity can be continued in 2 to 7 days
• One-fourth the cost of a tubal ligation

Although serious complications are rare, they are more likely to occur after a female sterilization operation than a vasectomy.

Why Would a Couple Choose a Vasectomy Versus a Tubal Ligation?

In the United States female sterilization is more common than male sterilization. However, if you were to evaluate the facts, a vasectomy is a far safer and easier procedure than a woman having her “tubes tied.” The

No Needle No Scalpel Vasectomy is the preferred choice for most couples because a vasectomy:

• Is safer
• Is less painful
• Does not require general anesthesia
• Does not need to be done in a hospital or surgery center
• Is a faster procedure
• Has a lower infection risk
• Is far less expensive
• Can usually be reversed
• Has an extremely high patient satisfaction rate

For most couples, after they carefully consider the two procedures, a vasectomy is the clearer, safer and easier choice when making a decision for a permanent form of birth control.  (See what patients have to say!)